Alexei Popyrin (25th seed)

• First Round: def. Yoshihito Nishioka (JPN) – Score not specified in available sources, but Popyrin advanced without dropping a set.
• Second Round: def. Alejandro Tabilo (CHL) 7-5, 6-3, 6-4.
• Third Round: def. Nuno Borges (POR) – Popyrin advanced to the Round of 16 for the first time in his career (this is based on context and some sources may refer to the third round as the last-32; however, Popyrin’s run is widely reported as a career-best at Roland-Garros, and he ultimately faced Tommy Paul in the Round of 16, which is sometimes colloquially called the “fourth round” or “last-16”).
  • Note: Some sources refer to Popyrin’s third-round win as his best-ever result, but official Roland-Garros brackets and reporting confirm he reached the Round of 16 before losing to Tommy Paul3.
• Round of 16: lost to Tommy Paul (USA) 3-6, 3-6, 3-6.

Adam Walton

• First Round: def. [Q] Maximilian Marterer (GER) – Score: 7-6(4), 4-6, 6-3, 2-6, 6-2 (his first Grand Slam main draw win)1.
• Second Round: lost to Andrey Rublev (RUS) – Score not specified in available sources, but Walton advanced to the second round for the first time1.

Alex de Minaur (9th seed)

• First Round: def. Laslo Djere (SRB) 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(8).
• Second Round: lost to Alexander Bublik (KAZ) 6-2, 6-2, 4-6, 3-6, 2-6 – Bublik completed a major comeback after de Minaur led two sets to love.

Jordan Thompson

• First Round: lost to Jiří Lehečka (CZE) – Score: 6-4, 6-2, 6-1.

James Duckworth

• First Round: lost to Alexander Bublik (KAZ) –  6-2, 6-4, 6-4.

Christopher O’Connell

• First Round: lost to Ugo Humbert (FRA) – 7-5, 6-3. 7-6(3).

Rinky Hijikata

• First Round: lost to Reilly Opelka (USA) – 1-6, 6-3, 7-5, 7-6(3).

Aleksandar Vukic

• First Round: lost to Karen Khachanov – 6-4, 6-4, 6-4.

Tristan Schoolkate (Wildcard)

• First Round: lost to Márton Fucsovics (HUN) – 6-4, 6-2, 6-2.

Summary Table

Key Takeaways

Popyrin had his best result at Roland Garros, his previos best was the second round back in 2019, five round one exits followed. Popyrin matched his best Grand Slam result, also reaching the fourth round at the 2024 US Open.

After reaching the quarterfinals at the previous four Grand Slam tournaments, de Minaur was looking to make that next step, instead he was left with the disappointment of a round two exit after holding a two sets to nil lead over Bublik.

Here is a summary of the results for Australians competing on day 1 and 2 in the 2025 French Open (Roland Garros) qualifying:

Men’s Qualifying

• Jason Kubler: Advanced to the second round after defeating Alejandro Moro Canas (ESP) 6-4, 3-6, 6-2. He is enjoying strong form, having won 17 of his last 19 matches.
• Bernard Tomic: Also progressed to the second round with a straight-sets win over Coleman Wong (HKG) 7-6(2), 6-3.
• Li Tu: Lost in a tight three-set match to French wildcard Clement Tabur 3-6, 6-3, 7-5.
• Omar Jasika: Fell to Daniel Elahi Galan (COL) 6-3, 4-6, 6-1.
• Alex Bolt: Defeated by Pablo Llamas Ruiz (ESP) 4-6, 6-4, 7-5.
• James McCabe: Lost convincingly to Mathys Erhard (FRA) 6-1, 6-1.

Women’s Qualifying

• Astra Sharma: Dominated with a double-bagel (6-0, 6-0) victory over Emina Bektas (USA) in just 36 minutes.
• Talia Gibson: Defeated Mihaela Buzarnescu (ROU) 6-2, 6-3.
• Daria Saville: Beat Heather Watson (GBR) 7-6(2), 6-2.
• Maddison Inglis: Advanced to the second round with a commanding win over Iryna Shymanovich 6-1, 6-1.
• Lizette Cabrera: Lost to Mananchaya Sawangkaew (THA) 6-4, 6-2.
• Storm Hunter: Defeated by Zhang Shuai (CHN) 6-3, 6-2.
• Priscilla Hon: Narrowly lost to Jana Fett (CRO) 6-2, 4-6, 7-6(10), despite holding a match point.
• Taylah Preston: Lost to Varvara Lepchenko (USA) 6-4, 7-5.
• Arina Rodionova: Defeated by Tereza Valentova (CZE) 6-2, 6-2.

Summary Table

Several Australians—especially in the women’s draw—have advanced to the second round of qualifying, while others saw their main draw hopes end in the opening stage.

• • Alex de Minaur (World No. 8): De Minaur leads the Australian charge as a top-10 seed and 2024 quarterfinalist. Despite a recent setback in Rome, where he lost in the round of 16 to Tommy Paul, de Minaur remains Australia’s best hope for a deep run. He has shown improved clay-court form this year, including a win over Daniil Medvedev in Monte Carlo, but consistency against top opponents remains a challenge.

Melbourne, Australia; 12th Jan 2025: Alex de Minaur of Australia during a practice session at the Australian Open. Melbourne, Australia. (Photo Credit: Rob Keating/RobiciaTennisPhotography)

• • Alexei Popyrin (World No. 25): With a career-high ranking and potential seeding, Popyrin is positioned for his best-ever Roland Garros showing.

• • Jordan Thompson & Christopher O’Connell: Both have reached the third round in Paris before and bring valuable experience.

• • Aleksandar Vukic, Rinky Hijikata, Adam Walton: These players are seeking their first main-draw wins at Roland Garros.

• • Tristan Schoolkate: Awarded a wildcard after a strong year, Schoolkate will make his main-draw debut.

Tristan Schoolkate received a wildcard. (Photo Credit: Rob Keating/RobiciaTennisPhotography)

Nick Kyrgios will be teaming up with Jordan Thompson in the doubles. (Since the article was first published, Kyrgios has withdrawn.

• • Daria Kasatkina (World No. 15): The Russian-born Australian is making her Slam debut for Australia and brings a clay pedigree, having reached the Roland Garros semifinals in 2022. She recently dominated at the Charleston Open and is seen as a strong contender to go deep in Paris.

• • Ajla Tomljanovic: A former fourth-rounder in Paris, Tomljanovic is back in the main draw and looking to recapture her best form.

• • Kimberly Birrell, Olivia Gadecki, Maya Joint: Birrell makes her second main-draw appearance, while Gadecki and Joint debut at Roland Garros.

• • Destanee Aiava: The wildcard recipient, ranked No. 157, has shown promise with recent Slam breakthroughs and will look to build on that momentum.

• • Storm Hunter: Returns on a protected ranking and will compete in qualifying, hoping to join the main draw.

• • Nick Kyrgios: While not competing in singles, Kyrgios will return to Roland Garros for the first time since 2017, partnering with Jordan Thompson in doubles. Kyrgios has withdrawn. Thompson is now partnering Jason Kubler, the 2023 Australian Open doubles champion.

• • The main-draw numbers could grow further, with 14 Australians contesting the qualifying rounds and more wildcards possible.

Key Storylines

• • De Minaur’s Quest: Can Alex de Minaur translate his hard-court success and improved clay form into a career-best Slam run?

• • Kasatkina’s Debut: How far can Kasatkina go representing Australia for the first time at a major, given her proven clay-court credentials?

• • Rising Stars: Watch for Aiava, Schoolkate, Gadecki, and Joint as they look to make their mark and possibly spring upsets.

• • Doubles Spotlight: Kyrgios’ return in doubles adds star power and intrigue to the Australian campaign.

Tristan Schoolkate, 24, has been steadily rising through the ranks of professional tennis and enters Paris on the back of growing Grand Slam experience. After reaching the second round at the 2024 US Open, Schoolkate made further waves at the 2025 Australian Open, where he pushed eventual champion Jannik Sinner to four sets in a spirited second-round performance. That match, which saw Schoolkate claim a set from one of the tour’s most dominant players, highlighted the Australian’s fearless game and big-match temperament.

Known for his strong serve and willingness to step inside the baseline, Schoolkate’s game isn’t traditionally built for clay. Yet, his athleticism and improving movement suggest he’s more than capable of adapting. With confidence from two solid Slam outings and growing experience against top-tier opponents, this wildcard presents an ideal platform for the West Australian to prove he belongs among the elite.

For Destanee Aiava, the wildcard signals a follow-on from her 2025 Australian Open apprearance as a qualifier. The 25-year-old burst onto the scene as a teenager but has had to navigate the challenges of expectation, form, and injury over recent years. In 2025, however, she’s shown renewed promise, with an ITF finals appearance and improved consistency lifting her ranking and outlook. Aiava’s powerful groundstrokes and athletic court coverage have always made her a threat, and with a stronger mental game, she enters Roland Garros poised to capitalize on her opportunity.

Both players benefit from the reciprocal wildcard arrangement between Tennis Australia and the French Tennis Federation, but their inclusion is far from symbolic. For Schoolkate, it’s a chance to build on recent Grand Slam momentum; for Aiava, it’s a shot at rediscovery on a global stage.

Roland Garros is a proving ground, and for these two Australians, the challenge is clear—but so is the opportunity. With nothing to lose and everything to gain, Schoolkate and Aiava are ready to take their swings in Paris.

In doing so de Minaur becomes the first Australian male to reach that stage of the tournament since 2004. Lleyton Hewitt was the last to get that far.

Medvedev was on top early after getting a break of serve in the third game of the match. de Minaur almost broke back when Medvedev was serving for the set at 5-4.

de Minaur got his first break of serve for 4-2 in the second set, shortly after Medvedev called for a trainer to receive treatment for blisters on his right foot.

It was now that Medvedev started making more errors to help de Minaur take the second set.

The Australian charged through the third set and then got an early break in the fourth.

Medvedev would break back before de Minaur took control of the match when breaking for a 4-3 lead. He consolidated the break with a love service game.

de Minaur broke again to claim the match 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, 6-3 .

“I want to say thank you to everyone,” said De Minaur (in French) at his post-match interview. “It’s an incredible atmosphere. For me, I didn’t hope to be here in the quarter-finals of Roland Garros because me, on terre battue (clay), I didn’t play very well in the past years.”

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Djokovic defeated world no. 4 Casper Ruud 7-6(1), 6-3, 7-5 to claim the title in three hours and 13 minutes.

Ruud had started well and raced to an early lead after breaking Djokovic in a marathon second game.

The Norwegian who was on the cusp of the top ranking when competing for the US Open title in 2022, Ruud was out to stop Djokovic from taking his 23rd Grand Slam title and claim his first.

Ruud consolidated his break for a 3-0 lead before Djokovic finally held serve.

After finding his rythym the world no. 3 broke in the seventh game to get back on serve.

Games went with serve until the players were at 6-6. In the tiebreaker Djokovic cruised to a 7-1 win to take the opening set.

The early stages of the second set was a mirror image of the first with Djokovic getting a break in the second game and then consolidating for a 3-0 lead. Ruud was not able to break back and Djokovic took a commanding 2-0 advantage.

The third set saw both players hold serve until Djokovic broke to love in the 11th game, that came on the back of three winners.

Now with one hand on the trophy it was Djokovic serving for the title. He raced to a 40-0 lead before an unforced error slightly delayed the inevitable win.

After seeing Ruud hit a ball well wide Djokovic fell to the ground to let the moment sink in as he was now the all-time Grand Slam singles leader in the men’s sport.

After the match Ivanisevic spoke about his player.

“Coming to this tournament, he didn’t come with unbelievable confidence and form,” Ivanisevic said. “I was not worried. I said in Monte-Carlo, I don’t count these tournaments. Monte-Carlo, Rome, anything. Only tournament that count is this one.

“He has this software in his head that he can switch when a Grand Slam comes. Grand Slam is a different sport compared to other tournaments. He switch his software. The day we arrived here, he was better, he was more motivated, he was more hungry.

“Every day he played better and better. I thought against [Carlos] Alcaraz [in the semi-finals], one-and-a-half hours he played unbelievable smart and unbelievable tennis. And today he just finished what we started actually in Monte-Carlo, to practise, and now it’s payday. We cash the check.”

“It’s fascinating to see, because sometimes you think, okay, now you have 23. But he’s gonna find, again, some kind of motivation to win 24, maybe 25, who knows where is the end,” he said.

“I don’t know [if the calendar-year Grand Slam is a goal with him. You need to ask him.

“I’m really sorry that Rafa is not here, but I say a long time ago before even I became member of his team that him and Rafa, they’re going to go over 22. I am hoping Rafa coming back winning one more, and Novak is only player who can win calendar Grand Slam. He was one match away two years ago, so he has a chance this year.”

“It’s still long way. But, you know, Grand Slams are the goal. I don’t know how many, but I think he has in his body a lot more.”

Djokovic will now head to Wimbledon as the favourite to defend his title and take his Grand Slam tally to 24.

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Late in the second set big German was running to his right when his foot got caught on the red clay and he badly twisted his ankle.

Immediately he was reaching for his ankle and screaming in pain. A wheelchair was brought out onto the court and Zverev was taken away for an assessment.

It looked highly unlikely that he would continue and so it was. Zverev appeared back on the court using crutches as he went to congratulate Nadal.

The German had started the match so well, breaking in the opening game. Unfortunately, his forehand went astray for a while and Nadal broke back and then won the opening set in a tie-breaker, coming from 2-6.

Nadal had barely hit a winner in the opening set but then found two superb down-the-line passing shots to help fight back.

That first set lasted 1 hour and 38 minutes.

In the second set both players struggled to hold serve despite Nadal moving to 40-15 in the first and third games.

Zverev was able to hold serve in the fifth game to move to a 3-2 lead, he then held for 4-2 only to have Nadal break again.

It was more common to see a break of serve than a hold of serve. The final three games were held and the players were to play a tie-breaker.

Instead Zverev was down on the clay clutching at his injured ankle and crying out in pain.

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The had lasted 3 hours 13 minutes over just two sets.

After the match, Zverev posted an update on his Instagram story, saying the injury seems to be “very serious”.

“Very difficult moment for me today on the court,” he said. “Obviously, a fantastic match until what happened. Looks like I have a very serious injury, but the medical team— the doctors are still checking on it and will keep you updated. Will let you know as soon as we know more.”

Nadal is into his 14th French Open final, having won every time he has reached that stage.

“It’s very tough and very sad for him. He was playing an unbelievable tournament and he’s a very good colleague on the tour,” said Nadal.

“It’s not easy and beautiful to talk after what happened,” said Nadal, who was by Zverev’s behind the scenes as the German was getting scans done to invesitage the extent of his injury.

“Only thing that I can say is I hope he’s not too bad. Hopefully it’s just the normal thing when you turn your ankle, and hopefully nothing’s broken.”

After round one was played across the opening three days it was the qualifier, Jason Kubler that stood alone as a winner.

The draw treated Kubler kindly with the world no. 160 facing USA’s world no. 81 Denis Kudla.

Kubler was making his Roland Garros debut while Kudla was playing in his fifth French Open and he was searching for his first even win.

It was Kubler that would claim his first main draw win at Roland Garros after taking the match 7-6(5), 7-6(2), 7-6(3).

The first set didn’t see any breaks of serve and in the tie breaker it was Kudla at 5-3 who was looking likely to take the opening set. Kubler had other ideas and he won four straight points.

Kubler got the first break of the match in the fourth game of the second set to lead 3-1 before consolidating for a 4-1 advantage.

Kudla held for 2-4 before breaking his Australian opponent after a 15 minute game. Games then went with server before Kubler raced through the breaker to take a commanding two sets to nil lead.

In the third set it was Kudla that broke early before consolidated to lead 3-0. Kubler broke back in the fifth game for 2-3. Another Kubler hold and break and he was out to a 5-3 lead and looking set to win his first match at the French Open.

Kudla broke back in the 10th game before a few more service holds took the third set to another tie breaker.

The Australian raced out to a 6-1 lead, Kudla edged back to 3-6 before Kubler hit a winner to seal the match after three hours and 14 minutes.

Next up is Cameron Norrie the no. 10 seed. The Brit reached the third round in 2021 before losing to Rafael Nadal in straight sets.

Back at the end of March and in early April, Kubler was playing in two ITF M25 events in Canberra, which he claimed the title on both occasions. He then continued his clay court buildup in the USA playing in three ATP Challenger events before heading to Europe where Kubler reached the semifinals in a Challenger event in Zagreb.

Kokkinakis fails to take opportunities

Thanasi Kokkinakis got off to a bad start in his match against Spain’s Albert Ramos-Vinalis when he was broken in the opening game.

Games then went with serve to see the Spaniard take the opening set.

The second set again saw the Spaniard break in the opening game however this time Kokkinakis was able to break back immediately to love.

Kokkinakis then held serve after a marathon game that last almost 13 minutes. A service break in the sixth game saw the Australian take a 4-2 lead but that was shortlived. Ramos-Vinalis broke back in the next game.

Kokkinakis broke in the 10th game to take the second set 6-4.

The world no. 44 from Spain broke in the third game then held for 3-1. Ramos-Vinalis broke for a 5-2 lead before the Australian hit back to serve at 3-5. He wasn’t able to break again and the Spaniard took the set 6-4.

Kokkinakis looked to take control of the fourth set when he broke in the eighth game to serve for the set at 5-3. An unforced error at 30-30 from Kokkinakis was followed by a winner from the Spaniard before another unforced from the Australian saw that opportunity slip away.

The set then went to a tiebreaker in which the Spaniard jumped out to a 4-1 lead on the back of two unforced errors and a double fault from the Australian.

Kokkinakis closed to 4-5 and 6-5 before a third winner from Ramos-Vinalis in the breaker sealed the match after four hours and seven minutes.

Thompson takes on Nadal on centre court

Jordan Thompson experienced the big time on Court Philippe-Chatrier when he faced the King of Clay, Rafael Nadal.

This was perhaps the Australians best opportunity to claim a win against Nadal as the 13 time French Open Champion had a disrupted clay court preparation due to injury.

Nadal proved to be a class above the world no. 82 taking the match 6-2, 6-2, 6-2.

de Minaur loses five set marathon to French hero

Australia’s top-ranked player Alex de Minaur lost in five sets to local hero Hugo Gaston.

Gaston excited locals fans in 2020 when he made a run to the Round of 16 at Roland Garros.

After taking the first set de Minaur lost the next two. The world no. 20 then stormed back to take the fourth set 6-0 and he jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the fifth.

You would have backed the Aussie from there. Gaston however had other ideas. Fighting back to level at 3-3. A pair of holds took it to 4-4 before four straight breaks took the match to a super tie break.

Gaston ran away with the breaker winning five straight points to close out the match in just under four hours.

Round one Australian men’s scores

• (19) Alex de Minaur Rd 1 lost to Hugo Gaston (FRA) 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, 0-6, 7-6(10/4).
• James Duckworth lost to Mikael Ymer (SWE) 6-2, 6-4, 6-2.
• Jordan Thompson lost to (5) Rafael Nadal (ESP) 6-2, 6-2, 6-2.
• Thanasi Kokkinakis lost to Albert Romos-Vinalis (ESP) 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, 7-6(5).
• John Millman lost to (27) Sebastian Korda (USA) 6-1, 7-5, 7-6(6).
• Alexei Popyrin lost to Fabio Fognini (ITA) 6-4, 7-5, 6-4.
• (WC) Christopher O’Connell lost to Aljaz Bedene (SLO) 6-2, 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-1.
• (Q) Jason Kubler d Denis Kudla (USA) 7-6(5), 7-6(2), 7-6(3). Rd 2 v (10) Cameron Norrie (GBR).

This is a reciprocal arrangement.

Main draw action gets underway in Paris on Sunday 22 May.

Saville (nee Gavrilova) is on the comeback trail from plantar fasciitis and Achilles surgery. The former world no. 20 had tumbled down the rankings and was at no. 627 back in February.

A wonderful sunshine swing for Saville saw her reach the last 16 in Indian Wells and her first WTA 1000-level quarterfinal in Miami. Those two results saw her ranking shoot up towards the top-100. Saville is currently ranked at no. 130.

Saville says she is eager to return to the prestigious clay courts of Paris for the first time in two years.

“I’m super excited and really grateful for the opportunity to play Roland Garros this year,” Saville said.

“It means so much to get a wildcard and to have ongoing support from Tennis Australia. I really am going to make sure that I make the most of this wildcard.”

France holds fond memories for Saville and her tennis career so far.

“It’s (Roland Garros) one of my favourite tournaments. I did really well when I was a junior here (making the 2009 girls’ singles final), so I have a lot of memories,” she said.

“I trained at Mouratoglou Academy a few years ago, so I feel like France is pretty close to my heart. It was my home for a few years, so I’m really excited to be playing here.

“I love being in Europe, I love the clay. I’m really enjoying being back on the tour, I’ve missed it so much.”

Ajla Tomljanovic and Astra Sharma are automatic entrants.

Roland Garros Australian men’s singles contingent

Chris O’Connell will join Alex de Minaur, James Duckworth, Jordan Thompson, John Millman, Thanasi Kokkinakis, and Alexei Popyrin in the main draw. Nick Kyrgios withdrew.

27-year-old O’Connell recently won the ATP Challenger title in Split Croatia. That result would have helped him take the wildcard ahead of Aleksandar Vukic who is ranked one place ahead of O’Connell at no. 124.

O’Connell reached the third round at the Australian Open in January and defeated Diego Schwartzman in the second round. At the 2021 Roland Garros tournament, also as a wildcard, O’Connell lost in five sets to Tommy Paul in the opening round.

“I’m very excited and grateful Tennis Australia has given me the opportunity to compete in the main draw once again,” O’Connell said.

“This wildcard means I now don’t need to go through the physical and mental rigours of qualifying, which I experienced at Wimbledon last year.

“I’ve been playing well on the clay over the past month and hope to continue that form heading into Roland Garros.”

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In 2018 he marched through the seven rounds dropping just one set. That came in the quarterfinals against Argentina’s Diego Schwartzman.

Rafa at the age of 32 isn’t slowing down, although there was a bit of a scare in the final when he suddenly left the court saying he couldn’t hold the racquet. After a few minutes of treatment, he was back out on the court and battling away.

Dominic Thiem, Nadal’s opponent in the final had been the only player to defeat Nadal on clay in 2018, but that was over a best of three-set scenario, today he was no match. Nadal after five championship points took the match 6-4, 6-3, 6-2.

As Thiem hit long on championship point Nadal stood at the baseline with his arms raised as he soaked up the moment.

Thiem tried all he could to do to pull off the impossible, defeat Nadal in a Roland Garros final, but Nadal just kept getting the ball back. He fought a tough battle.

Before Nadal burst onto the scene in 2005 it was the great Bjorn Borg that had won six Roland Garros titles in the 70s. Max Decugis had won eight before the open era. It is hard to imagine that one player would win the same Grand Slam title 11 times in the open era, but that is what Nadal has now pulled off.

Nadal was presented the trophy by two-time French Open champion Ken Rosewall.

Nadal began the match at full speed, scoring an early break against a nervous Thiem to open a 2-0 lead. The Austrian settled, and, much to the delight of the capacity crowd, broke back and eventually leveled scores at 2-2.

The remainder of the first set was a competitive, physical slug-fest until then 10th game when, trailing 4-5, Thiem made several errors and surrendered serve at love.

With the first set won, Nadal played even more purposefully and relentlessly, peppering Thiem’s one-handed backhand and breaking serve en route to a 3-0 lead. He maintained his advantage to win the second set 6-3.

Nadal was pressing to win the first game of the third set having several breakpoints but Thiem held off to save that game. The pressure was too much and Nadal was soon breaking Thiem’s serve to rush towards title no. 11.

With the title win, Nadal remains the world no. 1 as the circuit heads to the grass courts. Federer who sat out the claycourt season will return in an attempt to deny Nadal another Grand Slam title at Wimbledon.